History & Culture

12 min read

Padrino system: Patronage, politics and social structure in the Philippines

Analysis of the padrino system in the Philippines: origins, political impact and reform efforts.

11 min read

Archaeology of the Philippines: History, Sites and Discoveries

Comprehensive overview of Philippine archaeology, from H. Otley Beyer's early surveys to major discoveries like Callao Man and the Laguna Co...

9 min read

Filipino martial arts: History, weapons and training methods

An overview of Filipino martial arts (Arnis, Eskrima, Kali), their history, weapons, and tactical systems.

8 min read

Firecrackers in the Philippines: History, Regulation and Cultural Impact

History of paputok in the Philippines, from Bulacan's industry to national safety regulations and health impacts.

14 min read

Balikbayan box: History, logistics and cultural significance

The balikbayan box is a corrugated package sent by overseas Filipinos, evolving from a customs privilege into a major cultural and economic...

12 min read

Filipino values: Core principles, social harmony and cultural identity

An analysis of Filipino values, focusing on kapwa, hiya, and utang na loob as drivers of social harmony and cultural identity.

12 min read

Zarzuela: History, Forms and Cultural Legacy

Overview of zarzuela, the Spanish lyric-dramatic genre, its history, forms, and cultural impact in Spain and the Philippines.

10 min read

Spanish influence on Filipino culture

Overview of Spanish colonial impact on Philippine language, religion, surnames, and traditions.

8 min read

Capital of the Philippines: History, Planning and Proposals

History of the Philippine capital from Manila to Quezon City, Burnham plans, and modern relocation proposals.

12 min read

Filipino nationalism: History, ideology and political evolution

History of Filipino nationalism from Spanish colonialism to modern political identity and independence movements.

11 min read

Fire piston: Southeast Asian origins, physics and cultural history

History and physics of the fire piston, an ancient Southeast Asian tool for kindling fire via adiabatic compression.

9 min read

Filipinization: History, Politics and Cultural Assimilation in the Philippines

An analysis of Filipinization as a nationalist process of cultural assimilation and political inclusion in Philippine history.

8 min read

Tingi culture in the Philippines

Analysis of tingi culture: purchasing goods in small quantities, its socioeconomic roots, and environmental impact.

10 min read

Patriotic Oath (Philippines): Text, History and Legal Controversies

The Patriotic Oath is one of two national pledges of the Philippines, recited in schools under Republic Act No. 1265.

9 min read

Funeral practices and burial customs in the Philippines

Overview of indigenous, Christian, Muslim, and regional funeral customs in the Philippines, from pre-Hispanic jar burials to modern wakes.

12 min read

National symbols of the Philippines: Legal status and legislative history

Overview of the 12 official national symbols of the Philippines, their legal basis, and the legislative history of proposed symbols.

13 min read

Filipino naming customs: History, structure and cultural practices

Overview of Filipino naming customs, including Spanish, indigenous, Chinese, and Moro influences, nicknames, and historical evolution.

14 min read

Juan dela Cruz: The National Personification of the Philippines

Juan dela Cruz is the national personification of the Philippines, representing the Filipino everyman and collective psyche.

10 min read

Drinking culture of the Philippines

History and practices of Filipino drinking culture, from pre-colonial tuba to modern inuman traditions.

8 min read

House of Salalila: History and Legacy of the Kingdom of Lusong

The House of Salalila was the ruling dynasty of the Kingdom of Lusong from 1500 to 1571, descending from Rajah Salalila and intermarrying wi...